Project HSE Manager - Development & Construction (Japan)

Job Description

The Project HSE Manager is accountable for the overall Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) performance of a major offshore wind project across its full lifecycle - from early development (pre-FID) through construction to handover to operations.

The position provides leadership to the project HSE team and drives HSE performance across multiple Tier 1 contractors.

The role operates within a dual reporting structure (project and functional HSE) and ensures independent, high-quality HSE governance while enabling safe and efficient project delivery.

The role also acts as the primary point of contact on all occupational health and safety matters related to the project.

About the role

• Overall HSE Leadership & Accountability: Own and drive total HSE performance across the project, including contractor performance and measurable risk reduction.
• Team Leadership & Authority: Lead the project HSE team and act as the central authority for all HSE matters.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with Japanese HSE laws and environmental regulations, providing structured HSE input.
• Regulatory Interface: Serve as the main contact for Japanese authorities, managing inspections, audits, and official communications.
• Lifecycle HSE Management: Oversee HSE strategy across all phases (development, construction, handover), ensuring safe design, execution, and transition to operations.
• Contractor Governance: Establish and enforce strong HSE standards, actively managing and challenging contractor and subcontractor performance.
• Risk Management & Assurance: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks, escalate critical issues, and implement the "We Care" HSE Management System.
• Performance, Culture & Improvement: Drive HSE performance, continuous improvement, proactive reporting, incident learning, and a strong safety culture.

Job requirements and experience

• Education & Certifications: Degree in Engineering, Occupational Safety, Environmental Management, or related field; NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) required, with ISO 45001/14001 auditor and incident investigation qualifications advantageous.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of Japanese HSE legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 5 years in HSE roles within large-scale construction, infrastructure, or offshore/energy projects.
• Leadership Background: Proven experience in senior HSE leadership roles, including managing multi-contractor environments.
• Project Lifecycle Expertise: Experience across development and construction phases, ideally in complex offshore or energy projects.
• Core Competencies: Strong leadership, stakeholder influence, risk-based decision-making, and ability to balance HSE with project delivery.
• Communication & Language Skills: Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; fluent in Japanese and English.
• Additional Requirements & Success Measures: Willingness to travel/work offshore, operate in dual reporting lines, and deliver measurable HSE outcomes (e.g. reduced incidents, strong safety culture).

We look forward to meeting you. Of course, you can find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Xing, too.

We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, disability, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, age, sexual orientation, and identity. #inclusionmatters

As a global leader, RWE Offshore Wind is shaping tomorrow's energy on the high seas. We are active across Europe, U.S., Japan and Korea. We have already 19 wind farms in operation with an installed capacity of over 3 gigawatts. With over 20 years' experience in developing, building, operating and maintaining offshore wind farms we have established long-term partnerships, working hand in hand with local businesses and communities. Every year, we invest millions of euros in new offshore wind projects and support harbours, educational programmes, local organisations and more. Our passionate workforce is committed to driving technological and sustainable improvements, delivering construction projects on time and within budget to the highest quality and safety standards, and contributing to a clean energy future.

Want to learn more about working for RWE Offshore? Join Our Journey Offshore by watching the miniseries including 6 episodes, 5 ambassadors and one exciting trip Offshore.